There have been many things I have learned so far about Global Business during this study abroad program. In my opinion, I believe that the most important thing I have learned is the adaptation and understanding of different cultures. Before learning and engaging in the material surrounded by culture, my perception of managing and dealing with Global Business was being able to translate language and prices with others, but I have quickly found out that there is so much more than that. Culture plays such a major role in recognizing and respecting people in the business environment. If you do not do your research with the culture of the business you are dealing with, certain situations can end up poorly. Some factors to take into consideration and research when working with cultures you are new to are non-verbal cues, negotiation approaches, work hours, relationship building, work-life balance, religion, and many others. Each culture is different in how they deal with others globally, especially in regard to relationships. Something that surprised me during class is that certain cultures will only deal business with you if there is a trusted relationship prior. Without a certain extent of trust built, certain companies and businesses will not want to associate with you, and it is very common in Korea.
Along with what I had learned in the classroom there have been many things that I have discovered outside of the classroom while here in Spain. Water here is almost never free, whenever you visit a restaurant, you will have to specifically ask for water and they will typically bring you a glass along with a bottle for you to pour it in. Most people here have a certain accent with their pronunciation of the letter “s” as “th”. The more I converse and listen to people with this specific way of talking, the more I inherit it as I try to practice my Spanish with locals. Tipping culture is not what it is like in the United States, I have found that at restaurants, tipping is not something you should do. The only places I have found where tips are accepted are at certain “take-away” locations where you can order your food up front to then leave with, there is typically a tip jar by the register where you can drop off coins or cash. Lastly, one of the most interesting and prevalent things I have learned is that pickpocketing is actually quite frequent, and people do not take lightly when they are caught in the act.
Along with what I had learned and experienced so far, I have also been able to visit and tour many interesting places with my class! Just to name a few, some of the most unique and fascinating places I have visited were the Damm brewery, The Catalan Parliament, and Montserrat! The Damm brewery was incredible with how short and sweet our tour was all while explaining to us everything about the history of their most popular beer, “Estrella” and how it is made and distributed. The Catalan Parliament was quite amazing too, where we had our own guide tell us all about the building and what occurs where in each room. The coolest part of the Catalan Parliament in my opinion was seeing everyone who works there do their typical day to day activities around while we were guided around each specific and unique spot of the building. By far my favorite tour was when we were guided through Montserrat and told of the history surrounding it. We were so incredibly high to the point where I could feel a difference in the air and how cool it was. The sights were amazing from being that high up, I was able to take some very cool pictures I know I’ll be showing to my family and friends when I arrive back to Texas! The Basilica of Montserrat was breath-taking, and I am so very grateful I was able to view it with my own eyes. The Holy Image of Our Lady of Montserrat was what I found to be the most compelling and beautiful, especially learning about the history surrounding it and learning it was built all the way back in the 16th century.
This study abroad trip has been so amazing, and I have been grateful for everything that it has offered me so far. I have been able to make many new friends, see many cool sights, and learn very interesting facts not only about Spain, but Europe and the EU as a whole. Below will be some of the many pictures I have been taking during this trip that I hope you will find interesting! Although these pictures in my opinion are amazing and will hold some of the great memories I have been making, seeing them through a screen will never do the justice they serve viewing them in person during the moment.
